Cooking up a pricey backyard barbecue

Ice-cold beers

You'd then lead them back to the high-rolling action in the backyard -- the beer you are serving is no light domestic beer. It’s made from ingredients originating from around the world and was once sold at auction with help from Robin Leach (yes, that Robin Leach) for $3,500. Why? The voice of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" might have milked a few more dollars (and, yes, the proceeds benefited Alzheimer’s treatment), but the brew is a collaboration of Tenaya Creek Brewery and Brew Dog, the same guys who, in 2010, sold beer presented in squirrel taxidermy.

Though you could theoretically use that expired possum by the back fence, it might clash with the water from New Zealand and black truffle in the beer. Also, the gold flakes that they added may have helped push it to that record price for beer at auction.

If you prefer to be more modest with your backyard bash, you can go with upstart Moody Tongue Brewery’s Shaved Black Truffle Pilsner, which surely will complement most any burger. Its price of up to $120 for a 22-ounce bottle might not complement your buzz, however.

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